17 Authentic Vietnamese Banh Xeo Recipe You Must Try Them!

Published on: Mar 19, 2024

Vietnamese cuisine is known for its bold and complex flavors, and one dish that perfectly embodies this is the banh xeo. This savory pancake is a staple in Vietnamese households and is loved by many for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. If you're craving for an authentic taste of Vietnam, then look no further. In this article, we'll be sharing a professional and well-organized introduction to an authentic Vietnamese banh xeo recipe that you can easily recreate in your own kitchen.

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The Origin of Banh Xeo

Banh xeo, which literally translates to "sizzling cake", originated in Central Vietnam in the 18th century. It was originally made with rice flour, turmeric, coconut milk, and shrimp and cooked in a clay pot over an open fire. Over time, the recipe has evolved and different regions in Vietnam have their own variations. In Southern Vietnam, for example, they use rice flour, water, and coconut cream in their batter, resulting in a thinner and crispier pancake.

The Ingredients

To make an authentic Vietnamese banh xeo, you will need the following ingredients:

Rice Flour: This is the base of the pancake batter and gives it its distinct crispy texture.
Turmeric: This spice is responsible for the vibrant yellow color of the banh xeo.
Coconut Milk: It adds a subtle sweetness and richness to the pancake.
Shrimp and Pork: These are the traditional fillings for banh xeo, but you can also use other protein options like chicken, beef, or tofu.
Bean Sprouts: They add a refreshing crunch to the pancake.
Mung Bean: These are boiled and mashed to create a creamy and savory filling.
Lettuce and herbs: These are used as garnish to add freshness to the dish.
Dipping Sauce: A mix of fish sauce, sugar, lime juice, and chili is the perfect accompaniment to the banh xeo.

The Preparation

Making banh xeo may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and techniques, it can be easily recreated at home. The first step is to make the batter by mixing rice flour, turmeric, and coconut milk until you get a smooth consistency. Let the batter rest for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Next, prepare the fillings by marinating the shrimp and pork with fish sauce, sugar, and garlic. Then, cook the fillings separately in a hot pan until they are fully cooked and set them aside.

The Assembly and Cooking

To assemble the banh xeo, heat a non-stick pan over medium heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once hot, pour a ladle of the batter into the pan and swirl it around to create a thin and even pancake. Add a handful of bean sprouts and mung beans on one side of the pancake and top it with the cooked fillings. Fold the other side of the pancake over to cover the fillings and let it cook for a few more minutes until it turns crispy and golden brown.

The Final Touches

Once the banh xeo is cooked, transfer it to a plate and serve it with lettuce and herbs on the side. To enjoy it the traditional way, wrap a piece of banh xeo in lettuce and herbs and dip it in the dipping sauce before taking a bite. Now that you have the recipe for an authentic Vietnamese banh xeo, it's time to put on your apron and impress your family and friends with this delicious and flavorful dish. So go ahead and give it a try, and experience the taste of Vietnam in the comfort of your own home.